Modular Catch-All Tray

Update 28.01.2023

Added version for printing with an 0.4mm Nozzle (set extrusion width to 0.6mm).

Overview

I created this overengineered Catch-All Tray to be modular. Print the tray itself and choose which of the “inserts” you need. They are all compatible and interchangable. Every part is designed to be printed in vase mode.

A Pocket

The big pocket in the tray is called A-Pocket. Inserts fitting in that pocket are labeled “A” in their file name.

B Pocket

The bigger of the two narrow pockets in the tray is called B-Pocket. Inserts fitting in that pocket are labeled “B” in their file name.

C Pocket

The smallest pocket in the tray is called C-Pocket. Inserts fitting in that pocket are labeled “C” in their file name. A inserts also fit in the C-Pocket when rotated 90 degrees around their own axis.

Inserts

The folowing inserts are available so far:

• Vase: plant/put a succulent or something here to green up your day
• Ring: keep your wedding ring or other jewelery where it is nicely displayed and where you dont lose it
• Note: put a note when you need to remember something important (or not important)
• Nothing box: a nice place for whatever miscellaneous items you have

Let me know if you want to design your own inserts. I will gladly share the designs with you. No access to CAD? No problem! Tell me what other inserts you would like me to design.

Printing instructions

Print all parts in vase mode. There are two versions of all parts. One for printing with an 0.4mm Nozzle (set the extrusion width to 0.6mm) and one for printing with an 0.6mm nozzle (set the extrusion width to 0.8mm). The models for the Vase and Nothing Box inserts can either be printed with an 0.4mm or an 0.6mm nozzle.

Tray

To print the Tray you chan choose if you want to put the long or short side down (on the printbed). I recommend to put it on its long side. This orientation is more stable and worked fine for me. Use no bottom or top layers. The upen slots that will be left on the tray (because of vase mode) can be stuffed with the end cap parts. They can be pressed into the tray and have a snug and secure fit. When printed standing on the long side, choose the long end caps to print. Print the short end caps if you placed the tray on its short side when printing. Or leave the tray open to show off your perfect vase mode print! 

Although the printing works without, I recommend to use a 5-10mm brim around the tray. 

Inserts

The inserts are straigth foreward to print. Use 2-3 bottom layers for the Vase and the Nothing Box but no top layer. The other inserts are printed laying on their side and dont need any bottom layers. You dont need no brim for these parts.

End Caps

Again, vase mode. Use 3 bottom layers and no top layers. Put the parts on the printbed with the sloping end pointing upwards.

Material

I recommend a filament that is not too prone to warping. PLA worked great for me for all the parts. The Tray is a bit sensitive to warping, especially when printed on its short side (standing up tall). Whe using more delicate materials (PC, Nylon or similar) make sure to use an enclosure and be sure to have your filament parameters dialed perfectly.

Have fun printing and using this tray….!